[rmb177]

Both my previous and current jobs are with non-software companies and I feel that makes a big difference. My job prior to these two was with a software consultancy firm. While I loved the people at that company, I got burnt out from the constant stress of overlapping projects, bending over backwards for clients, and needing to stay billable.

For the last 6-7 years, I work at a much more relaxed pace, am respected and appreciated for the work I do, and am able to separate home/work life. I don't get to work with the latest technologies and there isn't as much opportunity to move up the ladder, but ultimately, the joy for me comes from solving problems and making fellow employees' lives easier in their daily jobs.

I think another factor in all of this, is that I live in flyover country and the mindset seems much different here than on the coasts.